Teen Abortion
Adolescent abortion by Yvette R. Harris; Society August 1997
For teenagers facing abortion, it is a psychological, social, and philosophical dilemma that must be encountered. After the Roe v Wade case in which the court decided that a woman should have the right to choose, limited abortion rights were granted to minors. As a result, numerous states enacted various forms of parental notification and consent laws. In most states, the law requires that parents of teenagers provide written approval of the minor's decision to terminate her pregnancy, or that they be notified by a physician. An on going debate has continued regarding the notification of parents on abortion. Many psychologists believe that parental notification can have a long-lasting impact on the teenager's physical and psychological well being, decision making capability, and family relationships. Opponents believe that such notification laws are unnecessary because a significant portion of teenagers confide in their parents about pregnancy and would seek their advice on pregnancy options and alternatives. Therefore, parents are already involved in providing emotional and psychological support and assisting her in the decision making process. Also, a small percentage of teens are living in abusive and unstable situations at home and the laws would cause them to delay seeking termination of their pregnancy because of the fear of the parental reaction. On the other side, those who believe that parents should be notified argue that if parents are notified, they will be there to provide support in dealing with the psychological impact of abortion. They also argue that teenagers are not experienced at making decisions for themselves and therefore will not make the decision that is best for themselves and for their family. Information must be obtained on the psychological effects of abortion on teenage mothers before any federal law goes into existence on teen...
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